In 2025, Shape Tomorrow launched Sustainable Logistics Live (SLL) in response to a clear gap in the UK events landscape. Whilst existing sustainability conferences often centre around long-term ambition, and logistics events focus on operational efficiency, few bring the two together in a way that delivers practical, immediately actionable solutions for organisations navigating real business constraints. This intersection is where SLL differentiates itself.
SLL was designed as an event where sustainability leads, logistics managers, retailers, manufacturers, service providers and academics could collaborate- not to discuss these constraints and problems in theory, but to share what works in practice.
What 2025 Demonstrated
SLL kicked off with two events in 2025, Leeds in March and London in September, both of which validated demand for a more focused, solutions-led format.
We decided to conduct research into the effectiveness of the first two events, to provide us with more insight into what worked well and what could be improved. So, with the help of students from the University of Leeds who produced an extensive report, we were able to gain a great understanding of our strengths and weaknesses, and what attendees truly wanted to take away from SLL events.
Overall, feedback from attendees, sponsors, and panellists demonstrated that SLL’s focus resonates strongly within the industry.
- Networking and knowledge sharing were the primary drivers for attendance, with many respondents highlighting the clarity and engagement of SLL compared with larger events where scale often dilutes relevance and connection.
- Panels and keynote sessions were consistently rated as the most valuable elements of the day. Crucially, attendees reported immediate tangible outcomes, such as adoption of the “One Green Ask” concept and use of the GLEC Framework within commercial conversations. This ability to translate insight into action reinforced the practical value of SLL’s content.
- Alongside the incredible speaker line-up, Kelly was also a highlight for many attendees for her role as an engaging host who played a key role in creating an inclusive atmosphere that encouraged participation and helped foster the sense of community that defines SLL.
- A clear majority of attendees said they would love to attend future events and were willing to pay for a ticket- a strong indicator of perceived return on both time and investment.
Balancing Scale and Impact
While 57% of respondents said a larger-scale SLL event would enhance their experience, feedback also highlighted what must be preserved as the event grows.
Attendees repeatedly emphasised the importance of:
- high quality, implementable content
- a balance between considered learning and meaningful networking
- genuine knowledge exchange, connection, and community building
- the unpredictability and richness of in person conversation
As one panellist noted, the value lies in ensuring “people in the audience have got stuff they can take away and literally the next day start implementing”.
What The SLL Community Told Us
Sponsors and speakers reinforced the importance of face-to-face engagement, describing it as essential for building relationships and a sense of shared purpose. There was strong support for:
- regional expansion to cities such as Manchester and Birmingham
- deeper discussion formats, including practical workshops
- bringing more of the supply chain into the room to enrich discussion
- strengthening post‑event engagement to sustain momentum
Academic contributors also highlighted the opportunity for better integration of academic rigour and industry context, since the siloed nature of academia and industry often limits the practical application and relevance of research. Carbon modelling, consumer behaviour, and regulatory outlooks were highlighted as an area where academic input could be particularly useful for business professionals.
For this reason, SLL2026 will more deliberately embed academic voices into the discussion. Academics will lead panels alongside industry practitioners to strengthen the practical application of research whilst ensuring discussion remains grounded in operational reality.
Shaping SLL for 2026
Insight from 2025 successes provide a clear roadmap for 2026 planning. Demand supports thoughtful growth, making clear that SLL’s strength lies in its curated scale, actionable focus, and sense of community. Using this evidence to guide our evolution, SLL enters 2026 with even more to offer. The focus will be on deepening value, broadening collaboration and strengthening our distinctive position.